Laredo R-7, Princeton R-5 Boards Set 2013-2014 Tax Levies

The Laredo R-7 and Princeton R-5 boards of education set their tax rates and hired personnel during meetings held Monday evening.
Laredo R-7
According to information provided by Superintendent Phil Fox, the R-7 board held a public hearing, after which they set the tax rate levy at $6.0012 on the $100 assessed valuation. This levy includes $4.6012, plus the voter-approved special levy of $1.40.
Board members approved the pickup of students within one mile of the school and then approved the bus routes for the 2013-2014 school year and a plan for a late start during the winter due to inclement weather. In other bus-related issues, the board discussed the purchase of a school bus to be used as a spare for the district, with no action taken, and heard a report on the maintenance and repair of the school buses.
Board members approved the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Eligibility Criteria guidelines for the district for the 2013-2014 school year. They also viewed the foldable cafeteria tables that were purchased from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. The five tables, which were acquired through a bid process, were purchased at a cost of $2,600. The board also reviewed MAP data and the APR for the district, with no action taken, and heard the second reading of policy updates from MSBA, with no action taken.
In other business, the board approved a list of surplus property that the district will sell in the coming months and toured the school to review summer maintenance items in preparation for the start of classes. A budget report was also given, with no action taken.
Following an executive session, the board announced the employment of Cassidy Bethards as an office aide. She will work on Fridays.
The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for Sept. 9.
Princeton R-5
According to Superinten-dent Terry Mayfield, the Princeton R-5 Board of Education set the tax rate for 2013-2014, approved a request for an open lunch period and approved the employment of two persons during its meeting.
Following a public hearing, the board set the 2013-2014 tax rate, with the operating levy set at $4.4175 on the $100 assessed valuation and $1.1857 for debt service for an overall tax rate of $5.6032.
Board members approved a request from the senior class for an open lunch period, as well as approving the technology program review, various student and faculty handbooks and the submittal of the Annual Secretary of the Board Report to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The board also accepted the resignation of special education paraprofessional Melanie McLain and adopted various board policies and regulation updates. Board members also heard administrative reports.
Three bids were awarded, including the dairy bid, which went to Anderson Erickson; the bread bid, which went to Big G; and the fuel bid, which was submitted by MFA.
Following an executive session for personnel, the board voted to hire Renee Millburn as a special education paraprofessional and Mark Middleton as high school custodian.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 9.